SOUTH Cumbria’s top cop said he was “privileged” to be in charge of local policing as an £8m state-of-the- art police station prepares to open its doors.

Locals will be able to get a sneak peek inside this Sunday when visitors will be taken on guided tours of the new Andrews Way building in Barrow, from 10am to 3pm, including a visit to the 18-cell custody area.

The dog unit, police motorbike and armed response vehicles will also be there and children will be able to have their fingerprints taken.

Admission is free and light refreshments will be available.

South Cumbria area commander, Rob O’Conner, said: “Having visited the new police station on many occasions recently it is a fantastic facility, which will allow us to provide policing services to the communities of south Cumbria for many years to come. I feel particularly privileged to be in charge of policing in south Cumbria and leading my staff into the new building.

“I extend an invite to the public to come and see the new police station, see what it offers, and recognise that the staff who will be working from there will have excellent facilities which will allow them to deliver day to day.”

Cumbria police and crime commissioner, Richard Rhodes, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to provide Cumbria Constabulary with a state-of-the-art police station in Barrow. I am looking forward to show-casing this fabulous new facility to the community at the open day.

“It is set to be an impressive day, starting with the new building and moving to the equipment that is used in day-to-day policing. I hope as many people can come and join us at this unique opportunity.”

Chief constable Jerry Graham said: “The new station is very impressive and the constabulary is very much looking forward to moving in and operating from there next month.

“The open day is a great opportunity to see the station, learn more about policing and meet those who work all year round to protect people and tackle crime and disorder.”

The current police station in Market Street has not yet been sold.